According to a VNA correspondent in Tel Aviv, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on March 23 affirmed that his country refuses to negotiate directly with the US under current conditions of "maximum pressure", and at the same time rejected the prospect of restoring the 2015 nuclear deal in its original form.

"No wise person would engage in direct negotiations under maximum pressure," Foreign Minister Araghchi asserted.

In addition, Mr. Araghchi acknowledged that the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could still serve as a "basis and model" for future diplomacy.

However, Mr. Araghchi said that restoring the deal in its previous form and content was no longer possible, citing Iran's advances in nuclear capabilities since US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the pact in 2018.

In addition, Mr. Araghchi also affirmed that Iran's nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and its strategy is still to negotiate indirectly with the US./.